Stable laquinimod preparations

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide, N-methylglucamine, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No, 60/813,247, filed Jun. 12, 2006, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Throughout this application various publications, published patent applications, and patents are referenced. The disclosures of these documents in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Laquinimod is a compound which has been shown to be effective in the acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (aEAE) model (U.S. Pat. No. 6,077,851). Its chemical name is N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide, and its Chemical Registry number is 248281-84-7. The processes of synthesis of laquinimod and the preparation of its sodium salt are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,077,851. An additional process of synthesis of laquinimod is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,875,869.

Pharmaceutical compositions comprising laquinimod sodium are disclosed in PCT International Application Publication No. WO 2005/074899.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, N-methylglucamine, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The subject invention also provides a sealed package comprising the pharmaceutical composition described herein.

The subject invention also provides a sealed package containing a pharmaceutical composition comprising N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the sealed package has a moisture permeability of not more than 15 mg/day per liter.

The subject invention also provides a method of treating a subject afflicted with a form of multiple sclerosis comprising administering to the subject the pharmaceutical composition so as to thereby treat the subject.

The subject invention also provides a method for alleviating a symptom of multiple sclerosis in a subject afflicted with a form of multiple sclerosis comprising administering to the subject the pharmaceutical composition thereby alleviating the symptom of multiple sclerosis in the subject.

The subject invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for use in the treatment of, or alleviation of symptoms of, a form of multiple sclerosis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, N-methylglucamine, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In an embodiment of the pharmaceutical composition the N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide is in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

In another embodiment of the pharmaceutical composition, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable salt of N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide is a lithium salt, a sodium salt or a calcium salt.

In another embodiment of the pharmaceutical composition, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable salt of N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide is N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide sodium.

In an embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is in solid form.

In another embodiment of the pharmaceutical composition the weight ratio of N-methylglucamine to the pharmaceutical salt of N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide is between 13 to 1 and 15 to 1, or between 13 to 1 and 18 to 1.

In yet another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition, further comprising a lubricant. Lubricants may be selected from magnesium stearate, sodium stearyl fumarate, talc and hydrogenated vegetable oil.

In yet another embodiment of the pharmaceutical composition, wherein the lubricant is sodium stearyl fumarate.

In yet another embodiment of the pharmaceutical composition, wherein the weight ratio of sodium stearyl fumarate to the pharmaceutically acceptable salt of N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide is between 9 to 1 and 7 to 1.

In a further embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition, comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide, mannitol, N-methylglucamine and sodium stearyl fumarate.

In yet a further embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition, comprising, by total weight of the pharmaceutical composition, 0.2% of the pharmaceutically acceptable salt of N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide, 95.6% mannitol, 3.2% N-methylglucamine, and 1.0% sodium stearyl fumarate.

The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition characterized in that 1.0% or less of the of N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide or of the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof degrades upon exposure to a 0.15% H₂O₂ solution for 40 minutes. This pharmaceutical composition may also be characterized in that less than 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7% . . . , or 0.1% of the N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide or of the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof degrades upon exposure to a 0.15% H₂O₂ solution for 40 minutes.

The invention also provides a process of making the pharmaceutical composition comprising obtaining N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, N-methylglucamine, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and granulating the N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, N-methylglucamine, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier by a wet granulation process.

The subject invention also provides a sealed package comprising the pharmaceutical composition described herein.

In an embodiment, the sealed package further comprises a desiccant. Dessicants may be selected from magnesium perchlorate, calcium chloride, silica gel, calcium sulfate, activated alumina and molecular sieve.

In another embodiment of the sealed package, the desiccant is silica gel.

In yet another embodiment of the sealed package of any one of claims 13-15, which after storage at 40° C. and at a relative humidity of 75% for 3 months contains less than 3% of a degradant of sodium stearyl fumarate. This sealed package may also be characterized in that it contains less than 2.9%, 2.8%, 2.7% . . . , or 0.1% of a degradant of sodium stearyl fumarate.

The subject invention also provides a sealed package containing a pharmaceutical composition comprising N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the sealed package has a moisture permeability of not more than 15 mg/day per liter.

In an embodiment, the sealed package is a blister pack in which the maximum moisture permeability of the blister pack is no more than 0.005 mg/day.

In another embodiment, the sealed package is a bottle. In another embodiment, the bottle is closed with a heat induction liner.

In another embodiment of the sealed package, the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is an alkaline agent.

In another embodiment, the sealed package further comprises a lubricant.

In another embodiment of the sealed package, the lubricant is sodium stearyl fumarate.

In another embodiment of the sealed package, after exposure of the sealed package to a temperature of 40° C. and a relative humidity of 75% for 3 months the sealed package contains less than 3% of a degradant of sodium stearyl fumarate. This sealed package may also be characterized in that it contains less than 2.9%, 2.9%, 2.7% . . . , or 0.1% of a degradant of sodium stearyl fumarate.

In another embodiment of the sealed package, which after exposure of the sealed package to a temperature of 40° C. and a relative humidity of 75% for 3 months the sealed package contains less than 1% of a degradant of sodium stearyl fumarate. This sealed package may also be characterized in that it contains less than 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7% . . . , or 0.1% of a degradant of sodium stearyl fumarate.

In another embodiment, the sealed package comprises an HDPE bottle.

In another embodiment, the sealed package further comprises a desiccant.

In another embodiment of the sealed package, the desiccant is silica gel.

The subject invention also provides a method of treating a subject afflicted with a form of multiple sclerosis comprising administering to the subject the pharmaceutical composition so as to thereby treat the subject described herein.

The subject invention also provides a method for alleviating a symptom of multiple sclerosis in a subject afflicted with a form of multiple sclerosis comprising administering to the subject the pharmaceutical composition described herein thereby alleviating the symptom of multiple sclerosis in the subject.

The subject invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition described herein for use in the treatment of, or alleviation of symptoms of, a form of multiple sclerosis.

The subject invention also provides the use of the pharmaceutical composition for the manufacture of a medicament for treating, or alleviating a symptom of, a form of multiple sclerosis.

A pharmaceutically acceptable salt of laquinimod as used in this application includes lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, manganese, copper, zinc, aluminum and iron.

An “alkaline agent” is any pharmaceutically acceptable excipient which raises the pH of the pharmaceutical composition in which it is used. If the pharmaceutical composition is in solid form, its pH can be measured by dissolving it in an amount of water per amount of composition, and then measuring the pH using conventional methods, e.g., by dissolving 2 g of the composition in 4 g of de-ionized water, and then measuring the pH of the resulting slurry.

1-Deoxy-1-(methylamino)-D-glucitol, also known as N-methylglucamine or meglumine, is prepared from D-glucose and methylamine (Merck Index, 12th ed. (1996), page 1038). Meglumine forms salts with acids and complexes with metals. Id.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, inflammatory CNS disease characterized pathologically by demyelination in the brain and spinal cord. There are five main forms of multiple sclerosis: 1) benign multiple sclerosis; 2) relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS); 3) secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SP-MS); 4) primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PP-MS); and 5) progressive-relapsing multiple sclerosis (PR-MS). Symptoms of multiple sclerosis include the frequency of relapses, the frequency of clinical exacerbation, or the accumulation of physical disability.

Experimental Details Example 1 Laquinimod Sodium Capsules Comprising Sodium Carbonate

Capsules were made which corresponded to 0.3 mg of laquinimod acid (LA) per capsule and 0.6 mg of laquinimod acid per capsule using the following excipients as shown in Table 1:

TABLE 1 Component 0.3 mg LA/capsule 0.6 mg LA/capsule Laquinimod Sodium 0.32 0.64 Mannitol USP 151.08 302.16 Sodium carbonate 4.55 9.10 anhydrous USP Sodium Stearyl 1.6 3.2 fumarate NF Total Weight 157.55 315.1

The capsules were made using the following method:

-   -   1. Mannitol and 99% of the total desired anhydrous sodium         carbonate were placed into a high shear granulating mixer and         were mixed for 30 seconds.     -   2. A solution of laquinimod sodium, 1% of the total desired         anhydrous sodium carbonate and purified water was prepared in a         mixer until dissolved.     -   3. The solution from step 2 was added to the contents of the         high shear granulating mixer of step 1 and was mixed to form a         suitable granulate.     -   4. The granulate was dried in a fluid bed dryer with the inlet         air temperature of 50° C. and outlet air temperature of 40° C.     -   5. The dry granulate was milled using a 0.8 mm screen, and         blended with sodium stearyl fumarate.     -   6. The mixture from step 5 was filled into size 1 hard gelatin         capsules (0.5 mL volume) for the 0.6 mg laquinimod acid dose and         into size 3 hard gelatin capsules (0.3 mL volume) for the 0.3 mg         of laquinimod acid dose.

Example 2 Laquinimod Sodium Capsules Comprising Meglumine

Capsules were made which corresponded to 0.3 mg of laquinimod acid (LA) per capsule and 0.6 mg of laquinimod acid per capsule using the following excipients as shown in Table 2:

TABLE 2 Component 0.3 mg LA/capsule 0.6 mg LA/capsule Laquinimod Sodium 0.32 0.64 Mannitol USP 151.08 302.16 Meglumine USP 5.0 10.0 Sodium Stearyl 1.6 3.2 fumarate NF Total Weight 158 316

The capsules were made using the following method:

-   -   1. Mannitol and 90% of the total desired meglumine were placed         into a high shear granulating mixer and were mixed for 30         seconds.     -   2. A solution of laquinimod sodium, 10% of the total desired         meglumine and purified water was prepared in a mixer until         dissolved.     -   3. The solution from step 2 was added to the contents of the         high shear granulating mixer of step 1 and mixed to form a         suitable granulate.     -   4. The granulate was dried in a fluid bed dryer with the inlet         air temperature of 50° C. and outlet air temperature of 40° C.     -   5. The dry granulate was milled using a 0.8 mm screen, and         blended with sodium stearyl fumarate.     -   6. The mixture from step 5 was filled into size 1 hard gelatin         capsules (0.5 mL volume) for the 0.6 mg laquinimod acid dose and         into size 3 hard gelatin capsules (0.3 mL volume) for the 0.3 mg         of laquinimod acid dose.

Example 3a Water Vapor Permeability Testing of Packaging

The following containers were tested:

-   -   A. Round high density polyethylene (HDPE) 40 mL containers (40         cc W/M Rd, Manufactured by Drug Plastics & Glass Co.,         Lot 009213) sealed with 33 mm Caps with Aluminum heat induction         liners (CL, Argus-Loc, 33 mm, 400, white, 0.020″ WLP/SG-529 Top         Tab “E.O.S.” Red—Manufactured by Owens-Brockway         Plastics—Brookville, PA)     -   B. Blister Packaging using soft Aluminum (Aluminum thin strip         gauge 45 micron, soft temper, plain, dull side lacquer laminated         to a 25 micron OPA film, bright side lacquer laminated to a 60         micron PVC film manufactured by Alcan, Singen, Germany) with         silver aluminum (Blisterfoil reel: 151 mm, stove lacquer LD2000,         aluminum hard temper foil, heatseal coating LX4DP, manufactured         by Hueck Pollen Pirkmuhle.)     -   C. HDPE 50 mL containers (DUMA® manufactured by Superfos Pharma         Pack, Vaelose, Denmark. Article No. 035050-300) sealed with         polypropylene caps (28 mm with 2 g silica gel manufactured by         Superfos Pharma Pack, Vaelose, Denmark. Article no.         02829D-300T.)     -   D. HDPE 30 mL containers (manufactured by Quality Container,         Ypsilanti, MI. Item No. W.0030B33400WH09T) sealed with         child-resistant caps (33 mm) (33 mm Saf-Cap III-A with pulp and         polyex primary liner, and secondary liner PS-22 0.002″ Eva Wax         Type Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Coated on a 0.020 Tekni-Foam         Printed “SFYP”, manufactured by Van Blarcom, Closures, Inc.         Brooklyn, NY.)

Containers A, C and D

The moisture permeability of the containers A, C and D was measured according to United States Pharmacopoeia, 29′ edition, U.S. Pharmacopoeia <671> (Multiple-unit containers for capsules and tablets) as follows:

Desiccant Preparation: A quantity of 4- to 8-mesh, anhydrous calcium chloride was placed in a shallow container, taking care to exclude any fine powder, then dried at 110° C. for 1 hour, and cooled in a desiccator.

Procedure: 12 containers of a uniform size and type were selected, the sealing surfaces were cleaned with a lint-free cloth, and each container was closed and opened 30 times. The closure was applied firmly and uniformly each time the container was closed. Screw-capped containers were closed with a torque that was within the range of tightness specified in Table 3. Desiccant was added to 10 of the containers, designated Test Containers, filling each to within 13 mm of the closure. Each was closed immediately after adding desiccant, applying the torque designated in Table 3 when closing screw-capped containers. To each of the remaining 2 containers, designated Controls, add a sufficient number of glass beads to attain a weight approximately equal to that of each of the Test Containers, and close, applying the torque designated in Table 3 when closing screw-capped containers. The weight of the individual containers so prepared was recorded to the nearest mg; and stored at 75°±3% relative humidity and a temperature of 23° C. +2° C. After 336±1 hours (14 days), the weight of the individual containers was recorded in the same manner. 5 empty containers of the same size and type as the containers under test were completely filled with water or a noncompressible, free-flowing solid such as well-tamped fine glass beads, to the level indicated by the closure surface when in place. The contents of each were transferred to a graduated cylinder, and the average container volume was determined, in mL. The rate of moisture permeability, in mg per day per liter, was calculated by the formula:

(1000/14V)[(TF−TI)−(CF−CI)]

in which V was the volume, in mL, of the container, (TF-TI) was the difference, in mg, between the final and initial weights of each test container, and (CF-CI) was the difference, in mg, between the average final and average initial weights of the 2 controls. As containers used for drugs being dispensed on prescription, the containers so tested were tight containers as not more than one of the 10 test containers exceeded 100 mg per day per liter in moisture permeability, and none exceeded 200 mg per day per liter.

TABLE 3 Suggested Tightness Range with Manually Closure Diameter¹ (mm) Applied Torque² (inch-pounds) 8 5 10 6 13 8 15 5-9 18  7-10 20  8-12 22  9-14 24 10-18 28 12-21 30 13-23 33 15-25 38 17-26 43 17-27 48 19-30 53 21-36 58 23-40 63 25-43 66 26-45 70 28-50 83 32-65 86 40-65 89 40-70 100 45-70 110 45-70 120 55-95 132 60-95 ¹The torque designated for the next larger closure diameter was to be applied in testing containers having a closure diameter intermediate to the diameters listed. ²The torque values refer to application, not removal, of the closure.

Container B

The moisture permeability of the container B was measured according to United States Pharmacopoeia, 29^(th) edition, U.S. Pharmacopoeia <671> Method II (Single-unit containers and unit-dose containers for capsules and tablets) as follows:

Desiccant Preparation: Suitable desiccant pellets were dried at 110° C. for 1 hour prior to use. Pellets weighing approximately 400 mg each and having a diameter of approximately 8 mm were used.

Procedure: A sufficient number of packs were sealed, such that not fewer than 4 packs and a total of not fewer than 10 unit-dose containers or blisters filled with 1 pellet in each unit are tested. A corresponding number of empty packs were sealed, each pack containing the same number of unit-dose containers or blisters as used in the test packs, to provide the controls. All of the containers were stored at 75%±3% relative humidity and at a temperature of 23° C.±2° C. After 24 hours, and at each multiple thereof, the packs from the chamber were removed, and allowed to equilibrate for about 45 minutes. The weights of the individual packs were recorded, and returned to the chamber. The control packs were weighed as a unit, and the total weight was divided by the number of control packs to obtain the average empty pack weight. The average rate of moisture permeation was calculated, in mg per day, for each unit-dose container or blister in each pack taken by the formula:

(1/NX)[(WF−WI)−(CF−CI)]

in which N was the number of days expired in the test period (beginning after the initial 24-hour equilibration period); X was the number of separately sealed units per pack; (WF-WI) was the difference, in mg, between the final and initial weights of each test pack; and (CF-CI) was the difference, in mg, between the average final and average initial weights of the control packs, the rates being calculated to two significant figures.

Results

The following were the results for the permeability testing of each container. The R value (rate of moisture permeability) for each container is expressed in Table 4 in terms of mg/L/day.

TABLE 4 Sample Package Number A C D 1 52.82 0 38.88 2 8.34 0 32.4 3 4.17 1.17 17.82 4 4.17 0 51.84 5 4.17 1.17 25.92 6 2.78 0 12.96 7 12.51 1.17 25.92 8 4.17 0 14.58 9 8.34 0 35.64 10 12.51 0 30.78

The arithmetic mean value of moisture permeability for 10 containers of type A, C and D in mg/L/day was determined to be 11.4, 0.351 and 28.7, respectively.

The packaging type B was tested according to USP <671> Method II. No pack tested exceeded 0.5 mg moisture permeability per day, and was thus classified as Class A according to USP <671> Method II.

Example 3b Appearance of Laguinimod Sodium Capsules in Various Packaging

Laquinimod sodium capsules (0.3 mg of LA/capsule) prepared according to Examples 1 and 2 were packaged in packaging types A (35 capsules per package), B (7 capsules, each individually sealed, per blister package), C (35 capsules per package) and D (40 capsules per package) as described in Example 3a.

The sealed packages were stored at 40° C. at 75s relative humidity.

1-2 packages were opened per time point for packages A, C, and D. 5 blister packages (35 capsules) were opened per time point for package B. Only sealed packages were evaluated at each time point.

The appearance of all of the capsules at time zero was normal. The appearance of the capsules at various time points is listed in Table 5:

TABLE 5 Time (months) Packaging Example 1 Example 2 1 D Normal Spots 2 D Spots No data 3 D No Data Deteriorated 3 A, B and C Normal Normal 4 D Deteriorated No Data

These results indicate that packaging D was unacceptable for storing the capsules of Examples 1 and 2.

Example 3c Stability of Laquinimod Sodium Capsules in Various Packaging

Capsules (0.3 mg of LA/capsule) from Examples 1 and 2 were packaged in packaging of types A, B and C:

The sealed packages were stored at 40° C. at 75% relative humidity.

1-2 packages were opened per time point for packages A, C, and D. 5 blister packages (35 capsules) were opened per time point for package B. Only sealed packages were evaluated at each time point.

At certain time points, a peak identified to be fumaric acid was observed in chromatographic analysis of some of the capsules. The fumaric acid was present in the formulation as a result of the degradation of sodium stearyl fumarate. The percent degradation of sodium stearyl fumarate was calculated based on the amount of fumaric acid present. The percent degradation of sodium stearyl fumarate (w/w, degraded sodium stearyl fumarate/starting sodium stearyl fumarate) is listed in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Time Example 1 Example 2 (Months) Packaging (% degradation) (% degradation) 0 (none) 0.2 <0.1 1 A 10.5 0.4 1 B 5.2 0.3 1 C 0.1 0.2 2 A 21.3 1.3 2 B 9.0 0.7 2 C 0.1 0.1 3 A 39.2 2.8 3 B 12.7 1 3 C 0.2 <0.1

Example 4 Forced Degradation of Laquinimod Sodium Capsules

Laquinimod sodium capsules manufactured according to Examples 1 and 2 were exposed to 0.15% H₂O₂ solution for 40 minutes.

The amount of sodium laquinimod in each capsule after exposure was measured using a chromatographic assay, and the percent decrease is listed below:

Formulation of Example 1: 28.5% decrease.

Formulation of Example 2: 0.7% decrease.

Results

The use of meglumine as an excipient in sodium laquinimod prevented oxidation-related degradation of laquinimod sodium under forced conditions.

DISCUSSION

The use of meglumine in the formulations of Example 2 inhibits the degradation of sodium stearyl fumarate at 40° C. and 75% relative humidity such that 10% or less degradation occurs after 3 months as compared to analogous formulations without meglumine. This indicates that the use of meglumine in laquinimod sodium formulations increases stability.

Furthermore, the use of meglumine reduces the degradation of the laquinimod sodium in a formulation. Specifically, when exposed to 0.15% H₂O₂ solution for 40 minutes the formulation with meglumine of Example 2 exhibited less than 2.5% of laquinimod sodium degradation as compared to an analogous formulation without meglumine under the same conditions.

In addition, as seen from the results after 3 months, packaging laquinimod sodium compositions in the presence of a desiccant such as silica gel increases stability of the formulations. Specifically, the presence of a desiccant in the packaging results in 20% or less (in some cases 0.5%) degradation of sodium stearyl fumarate occurring as compared to packaging without desiccant under the same conditions and time interval.

WO 2005/074899 discloses that laquinimod is susceptible to chemical degradation in solid state. Accordingly, WO 2005/074899 teaches a method of preparing laquinimod sodium for pharmaceutical use by dissolving laquinimod base in the neutral form in a solution of an alkaline reacting component such as sodium carbonate, thus producing laquinimod sodium. The manufacturing processes disclosed in WO 2005/074899 all keep laquinimod base in contact with water.

The disclosure of WO 2005/074899 thus indicates that there is no problem when laquinimod is in contact with water. Therefore, when addressing the question of packaging laquinimod, it would appear irrelevant whether a package for laquinimod is permeable to moisture. Herein, however, it has been shown that solid laquinimod formulations are indeed sensitive to moisture and degrade more rapidly in the presence of moisture. To solve this newly recognized problem, the subject invention provides that laquinimod should be packaged in a package with low moisture permeability. 

1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, N-methylglucamine, a lubricant and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the lubricant is magnesium stearate or sodium stearyl fumarate and the weight ratio of the lubricant to the N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is between 2.0 to 1 and 5.5 to
 1. 2. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide is in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.
 3. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable salt of N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide is a lithium salt, a sodium salt or a calcium salt.
 4. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable salt of N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide is N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide sodium.
 5. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 in solid form. 6-9. (canceled)
 10. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide, mannitol, N-methylglucamine and sodium stearyl fumarate.
 11. (canceled)
 12. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 characterized in that 1.0% or less of the of N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide or of the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof degrades upon exposure to a 0.15% H₂O₂ solution for 40 minutes.
 13. A process of making the pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, comprising obtaining N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, N-methylglucamine, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and granulating the N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, N-methylglucamine, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier by a wet granulation process.
 14. A sealed package comprising the pharmaceutical composition of claim
 1. 15. The sealed package of claim 14, further comprising a desiccant.
 16. The sealed package of claim 14, wherein the desiccant is silica gel.
 17. The sealed package of claim 14, which after storage at 40° C. and at a relative humidity of 75% for 3 months contains less than 3% of a degradant of sodium stearyl fumarate.
 18. A sealed package containing a pharmaceutical composition comprising N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the sealed package has a moisture permeability of not more than 15 mg/day per liter. 19-29. (canceled)
 30. A method of treating a subject afflicted with a form of multiple sclerosis comprising administering to the subject the pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 so as to thereby treat the subject.
 31. A method for alleviating a symptom of multiple sclerosis in a subject afflicted with a form of multiple sclerosis comprising administering to the subject the pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 thereby alleviating the symptom of multiple sclerosis in the subject. 32-33. (canceled)
 34. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the lubricant to the N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is between 4 to 1 and 6 to
 1. 35. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 34, wherein the weight ratio of the lubricant to the N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is between 4.5 to 1 and 5.5 to
 1. 